City Vows To Find Solution To Sewer Troubles 4-05-2011

Soaring sewer rates have Bay City residents looking for relief. Now the Bay City Commission appears to be listening. On Monday night, they approved funding for a study to look at ways to help ease the pain.The commission approved a $10,000 study that may bring customers some relief.[The] City Commission is looking to help families in need. That's why they commissioned that study," said Chris Girard, with the sewer fund advisory group.After some residents saw a hike in their bills which they couldn't afford to pay, the advisory group pushed the City Commission to do the study."Low-income families and low-income seniors may have the opportunity to pay less," said Girard.In previous stories, TV5 reported about homeowners who were upset with their sewer bills, but they aren't the only ones affected.Barneys Bakery told TV5s Tia Ewing that they use a lot of water, but it's not the water bill that's up, it's the sewer bill, and they hope this study can fix it.Girard said the sewer rates have also been a deciding factor in preventing businesses from moving to Bay City. "Hopefully we can attract business back into the community," said Girard.The overhaul on the sewer system doesn't stop there. The city commission also approved spending nearly $450,000 to hire an engineering firm to review the sewer system's solid handling process.Meanwhile, residents and businesses must continue to make their payments. The results of the study are expected to be back in 60 days.